Data carrier

ABSTRACT

To permit visual monitoring of the owner of a data carrier in the form of a wrist-watch, a photo of the owner is incorporated in the clasp attached to the strap of the data carrier.

This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 07/613,807filed on Feb. 25, 1991 which is based on International ApplicationPCT/AT90/0039 filed on Apr. 25, 1990 and which designated the U.S.

The invention concerns a data carrier like a wristwatch with a case, inwhich there is a picture of the bearer on the data carrier.

This type of data carrier can be inferred, for example, fromWO-A-88/03296, and is used particularly for transportation tickets,credit cards, ski passes, etc., with a rather long validity period andmultiple user rights. In order to prevent unauthorized use of such adata carrier by several persons, the case of the data carrier contains aphoto of the authorized bearer, which can be glued in under atransparent cover.

The arrangement of the bearer photo in the case of a wristwatch-typecase can lead to problems in inserting and recognizing the photo becauseof the limited space and can cause further problems since the bearer maynot want to wear his own picture on the arm in an obvious way.

The purpose of the invention is therefore to create a data carrier ofthe type mentioned above in which these problems are eliminated, atleast for the most part.

According to the invention, this is achieved by having the picture in aholder connected to the wristband of the data carrier.

A holder that goes with the wristband can now be adapted to hold thepicture of the bearer of the data-carrier in a way that is significantlybetter than in the case itself, since the case must be coordinated withthe receiving and reproducing of the data, as well as with diverse useof the data carrier. This way, the picture is not on the outside of thearm visible to everyone in an obvious way, but can be seen only when thearm is consciously turned. This is especially true if the wristband hastwo parts, and the holder represents the base of the clasp, which isattached to part of the wristband.

In another version of the invention, where the wristband has two partsthe picture holder is designed as a loop, through which the part of thewristband firmly attached to the clasp goes, the picture can be takenout of the obvious field of vision on the outside of the arm.

Having the picture in a holder away from the case then requires thesafest form of attachment to the case, i.e., the wristband must meetbasic criteria for attachment to the case and durability and resistanceto the effects of weather. If the holder is on the clasp, the clasp mustbe attached to the wristband according to the same criteria.

One preferred version of the data carrier, which meets these criteria,is conceived so that the base of the clasp is designed as the first flapof a foldover buckle, whose third flap is connected to the second partof the wristband. By using a foldover buckle, the data carrier can beloose on the arm, but does not fall off unnoticed, since it must bestrapped over the hand.

In order to be able to adjust the length of the wristband around thewrist of the bearer, or to be able to have the data carrier both underthe clothing or over (for example, wearing it over a ski jacket), asecond preferred version can be provided whereby the attachment end onthe clasp side of at least one of the two parts of the wristband has atleast two attachments spaced apart to attach it to the clasp.

In this way, the clasp can be arranged opposite the data carrierapproximately in the center, despite the optional length of thewristband, when the attaching end of the first part of the wristbandattached to the base of the clasp has at least two areas, one of whichhas a hole for attaching, wherein one area can be cut off, and a pinplaced in the side pieces of the clasp goes through the outermost hole.In order to make the second part of the wristband also adjustable todifferent lengths, another preferred version is conceived wherein thethird flap of the foldover buckle has a row of studs and the attachingend of the second part of the wristband on the clasp side has a row ofholes, and the number of holes is larger by at least one than the numberof studs. The second part of the band can thus be fixed to the thirdflap of the foldover buckle in at least two positions. The attachmentcan be relatively hard to loosen, since all you have to do to take thedata carrier off the wrist is open the foldover buckle. Preferably, onthe free end of the third flap, there is an insert loop designed forattaching the end on the clasp side, wherein the stud next to the loopis cylindrical and the other studs are mushroom-shaped knobs.

The attachment between the clasp holding the picture and the first partof the wristband should correspond to the above-mentioned criteria, andmay also be difficult to separate or may be separated only by damagingor destroying it. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging thepin in eyelets in the side pieces that are covered on the outside. Atleast one eyelet can thus be designed as a hole going through the sidepieces, so that the pin can be pushed in from outside the first time thewristband is fitted to the bearer. Then, to make the first part of thewristband with the pin attached to the clasp inaccessible, anotherpreferred version provides for at least one eyelet to be closed by acovering cap. The covering cap can thus be sealed, glued or the like.

The base of the clasp designed as a picture holder can have a viewingwindow, to which the picture is adhered on the inside. If the foldoverbuckle is closed, then the picture will be covered by the second,jointed flap of the foldover buckle.

The clasp described here with a foldover buckle in which both parts of awristband can be adjusted optionally at least the first time they areput on, and in which part of the wristband can also be adjusted later invarious positions, can be used not only on data carriers that have awristband of the type mentioned at the beginning in the form ofowner-specific credit cards, ski passes or the like, but can also beused for other bands, especially wristbands, regular wristwatches,jewelry worn on a wristband, etc., wherein the clasp can also be usedwithout a picture in it in these cases of application.

The attachment between the wristband and the case of the data carriershould also correspond to the criteria listed above to rule out anypossible manipulation. It is therefore preferably provided in anotherversion that each end of the wristband that is attached to the case sidehave two extensions protruding on the facing wide sides, that the casehave a matching retaining opening on the attaching end, and that eachretaining opening, into which the part of the wristband with the pictureis placed, have a locking forming an integral part of the case. Directlyattaching the wristband, which may be one-piece, to the case offers aseries of advantages over conventional wristband fasteners for watches,along with an esthetically pleasing appearance. And special aids, liketools or adhesives, for example, are unnecessary, since both ends of thewristband can be pushed, inserted or forced into the retaining opening,wherein the extension laterally protruding in the longitudinal directionof the wristband provides a form closure. The locking part covering theretaining opening can be attached to the case so that it can be openedonly by destroying the locking part, and unauthorized changing of thewristband is prevented.

If each extension is formed by one bar, then the ends of the wristbandare about in the central plane of the case. If the data carrier has acircular case, as in another version, each retaining opening is formedby a slot that is T-shaped in cross section, closed on one end and opento the circumference of the case on the second end. In this way, theends of the wristband, which are equipped with protruding bars on bothsides, can be pushed simply from the circumference of the case to thestop. In order to make it more difficult to push out one of the insertedends again, friction-enhancing locking elements can be provided in theslot in the push-out direction. The locking elements can, for example,be formed by inclined protruding teeth or the like, which press into theend of the wristband.

One preferred version also includes as a locking part for the retainingopening a ring section that locks around the circumference of the case.The ring section can, for example, have press-in stops in correspondingback cuts, so that it can be pressed on after the end of the wristbandis inserted. It would also be possible to join the ring section on oneside to the case, so that it is attached to it and cannot be lost.Furthermore, the locking part or the ring section could conceivably beformed by a control button for the data carrier, which is mounted afterthe end of the wristband is inserted.

In another version, the retaining opening is not open to thecircumference, but is accessible only after the base of the case isremoved. In this version, then, the base of the case servessimultaneously as a locking part of both retaining openings.Specifically, a removable base can be provided when the data carriercontains a power -cell that must be changed.

As mentioned, the wristband used with the data carrier mentioned shouldbe capable of being subjected to the most varied, often quickly changingenvironmental conditions, and also should be easy to adjust andcomfortable to wear, as well as look nice.

The wristband is therefore specifically constructed of at least twolayers, one of which forms a carrier body and a second a cover layer. Atleast one other layer may be provided between them. In one initialpreferred version, it is provided that the carrier body be composed of anetwork polymer that is gentle on the skin and is cast on the layerlying over it.

The wristbands can be manufactured simply and quickly in casting moldsby inserting the layer on which the polymer will be cast. Themanufacturing process indeed provides for a film, that may be amultilayered one, forming the upper layer to be inserted in a cavitydie, then a free-flowing polymer that is gentle to the skin to be pouredinto the cavity die and next a top flask to be lowered and the polymerto be cross linked by heat and/or pressure. Simultaneous manufacture ofseveral wristbands is significantly simplified if the cavity die hasseveral chambers and the top flask has several chambers which can belowered onto the cavity die, wherein the separating bars bordering thechambers are built like cutters. The layer covering all of the chambers,which may be multilayered, is placed on the cavity die and thefree-flowing polymer is poured on. After the top flask is lowered, theindividual chambers are closed as hollow spaces, wherein the separatingcutter bars divide the contents of the mold into several stripscomposing the wristbands.

From the large number of cross-linked polymers that are gentle to theskin, a cross-linked elastomer in particular, preferably a caoutchone isselected. Since the elastic properties of the polymer are not verysignificant, other free-flowing polymers that are comfortable to wearcan be used, for example, cross-linked silicon, silicon rubber,chlorosulfonated polyethylene or the like.

Another version provides that the carrier body be poured onto a printedcarrier layer, which is covered with a transparent cover layer. In thisway, the wristband can also be designed to take into account esthetic,fashion or commercial considerations.

Especially when used as a ski pass, the wristband is subject to strongultraviolet radiation, which the cover layer must resist withoutbecoming brittle or breaking, since it cannot be changed during use. Forthis reason, the cover layer may also consist of a transparentpolyethylene film, especially a high-pressure polyethylene film.

By making the cover layer out of polyethylene foil, whose properties areknown not to change under extreme temperatures, a wristband is made thatis appropriate in the peculiar areas of application specific to datacarriers, and need not be changed during the life of the data carrier.

The cover layer can thus not only be arranged on the printed carrierlayer, but can in a different version be printed like a mirror image onthe side facing the carrier body, wherein especially the printed side ofthe cover layer has a colored cover. If a printed carrier layer is usedbetween the cover layer and the carrier body, then preferably theprinted carrier layer consists of a polyethylene film, especially ahigh-pressure polyethylene film.

Such wristbands are suitable especially, but not exclusively for usewith the data carriers in the WO-A-88/03296 specified at the beginning.Since the life of the wristband at least corresponds to that of the datacarrier, as already mentioned, the picture or even other bearer-relateddata on the wristband itself, can be placed under the transparent coverlayer, on an additional loop or the like placed on the wristband, or onthe wristband clasp. Of course, such a wristband can also be fastened toconventional wristwatches.

The invention will now be described in greater detail below using thefigures on the enclosed drawings, but is not limited to them.

They show:

FIG. 1 a horizontal section through a data carrier along line I--I ofFIG. 2,

FIG. 2 a vertical section through the data carrier along line II--II inFIG. 1,

FIG. 3 a section like FIG. 2 through a second version of a data carrier,

FIG. 4 a section along line IV--IV of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 and 6 the layer construction of a wristband in two differentexamples of execution,

FIG. 7 the manufacture of a wristband according to FIG. 5 schematically,

FIG. 8 the end of a first part of the wristband which can be firmlyattached to the clasp according to FIGS. 9 to 11,

FIG. 9 a clasp in longitudinal section,

FIG. 10 the clasp in a sectional top view from the inside, and

FIG. 11 the clasp in cross section.

A data carrier in the form of a wristwatch has a round case 1, whichincludes a cover 2 and a base 3, and in which electronic components notessential for this invention, including a display in the cover 2, areprovided. On the case 1 there is a wristband 4, so that the data carriercan be worn on the wrist. Both ends of the wristband 4, which may beone-piece or two-piece, are shown; on both wide sides, they have aprojecting extension 7, which is designed in the form of a bar extendingover the larger part of the wide side. In the longitudinal sectiontherefore the ends of the wristband 4 or of its two parts 5,6 appearT-shaped (FIG. 2,3), and diametrically opposed retaining openings 8 forinserting both ends in the case 1 are provided which are formed by aslot which is also T-shaped. At least the areas of each retainingopening 8 where the extensions 7 are inserted are, as showncross-hatched in FIG. 4, terminating at a certain length within thecover member 2, so that in the version in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ends can bepushed from the mouth of the retaining opening 8 on the periphery of thecase 1 up to the stop (arrow A, FIG. 1). This effects a closure in thelongitudinal direction of the wristband. In the push-out direction,which is in the opposite direction of A, the retaining openings 8 canhave friction-enhancing locking elements 9, for example diagonal teethor the like, which press into the respective ends of the wristband 4 orits two parts 5,6. Thus, preventing disengagement of parts 5,6 iscarried out by employing the opening 8 to receive the T-shapedextensions 7 which effects a tension-proof connection.

For covering, at least of one of the retaining openings 8, there is alocking part that can be attached to the case 1 and is preferablydestroyed when removed. In the version in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lockingpart is made up of a ring section 10, which fits with stops 11 intocorresponding indents on the edge of the case 1. The locking part canalso consist of a control button 13, which in this case, as showncross-hatched above right in FIG. 1, extends over the mouth of theretaining opening on the edge of the case and is mounted after the endof the wristband is inserted. Opening 8 is therefore covered by ringsection 10 and control button 13. Control button 13 serves to operateelectronic parts within the housing, and is also useful for the datadisplay. It is movably held at the ring section 10, and the ring section10 is snapped into the case 1.

In the version in FIGS. 3 and 4, the retaining openings 8 are notaccessible from the periphery of the case, but only after the base 3' isremoved. The base has a peripheral stop 12', which can be locked into acorresponding groove inside the cover 2'. The ends of the wristbandagain also have bar-type extensions, so that the retaining openings 8'are composed of T-shaped slots. If the power cell 14' must be changedvia the removable base 3', then the removable base 3 simultaneouslyforms the locking part for both retaining openings 8', whereinunauthorized removal of the base 3' preferably leads to the probabledestruction of electronic data due to the inoperability of electronicparts in the absence of base 3, in this version as well.

The ends of the wristband can also be designed in another way to effecta form closure with the case 1', for example, by designing a round beador the like. And also several extensions 7' recommended for effectingthe form closure can be arranged one behind the other, so that thewristband can be cut to the right length. The wristband in an initialversion, as can be seen in the longitudinal section in FIG. 5, has acarrier body 37 and a cover layer 39. The carrier body 37 consistsspecifically of a cross-linked polymer that is gentle to the skin,preferably made out of rubber, which is poured on the cover layer 39.The cover layer 39 consists of a transparent polyethylene film,especially a high-pressure polyethylene film, which is printed like amirror image on the side facing the carrier body 37. For better colordesign, the printed under side of the cover layer has a color covering40, so that the carrier body 37 is not visible from above.

According to FIG. 6, there is a printed carrier layer 38 on the carrierbody 37, especially one made of rubber, which consists of an opaquepolyethylene film, specifically a high-pressure polyethylene film andcan be printed in any way desired. Over it is a cover layer 39 made outof a transparent polyethylene film.

Manufacture of the wristbands 4 or their two parts 5,6 is carried out ina casting mold, which is shown open in FIG. 7. This casting mold shownis used for simultaneous manufacture of several wristbands next to oneanother and consists of a cavity die 45 with chambers 48, as well as atop flask that also has chambers 48 that can be lowered. Between thechambers 48 are separating cutter bars 49. The cover layer 39 with theside on top that may be printed, or the pair of layers 38, 39 with theprinted carrier film 38 lying on top are placed on the cavity die. Next,a latex mixture 47 is poured over it and the top flask 46 is lowered inthe direction of the arrow. By using heat and pressure, the latexmixture in the chambers 48 is cross-linked, wherein the separating bars49 press together and divide the corresponding strips into wristbands 4.The manufactured wristbands can also be used for long periods of timeunder extreme temperatures and weather conditions because of thepolyethylene film used and are therefore suitable primarily forattaching to data carriers.

The picture of the owner is preferably placed in the clasp 15, which isshown in detail in FIGS. 9 to 11. The clasp 15 has a curved base 16, onwhich there is a side piece 19 on each side, so that the base of theclasp 15 is designed to have a concave shape. In the base 16, there is arecess with an inner gradation 22, in which a viewing window 17 isinserted. The window 17 has an indentation on the inside in which thepicture 18 is glued. The base 16 of the clasp 15 forms the first flap ofa three-piece foldover buckle and has only eyelet 20 each to fasten thefirst part 5 of the wristband 4 to both side pieces 19, in which a pin36 can be inserted. The end 41 of the first part 5 of the wristband 4has areas, as seen FIG. 8, for adjusting the length, each of which has ahole 42 in it. As shown by the cross-hatched lines, two areas, having alength of about 5 to 6 mm, respectively, can be cut so that shorteningby 10 to 12 mm is possible. To fasten the ends 41, the pin 36 is pushedthrough the eyelet 20, that goes through the side pieces 19 and is shownas the lower one in FIG. 10, and through the hole 42 of the end of thewristband.

The accessible outer side of the eyelet 20 is closed by a covering cap21 that can be hooked or glued in. The second eyelet 20 is designed as asack hole and is therefore inaccessible from the outside. On the sideopposite the eyelets 20 there is an axle 23 in the side pieces 19, inwhich the second flap 24 of the foldover buckle is mounted. This hashinged elements 25 which are shaped like teeth, which engage the eyelets20 through which axles 23 extends. At the other end of the flap 24,there is a second axle 27, and hinged elements 26 also shaped liketeeth, on which the third flap 28 of the foldover buckle is mounted. Thethird flap 28 also has hinged elements 29 shaped like teeth, which gobetween the hinged elements 26, wherein, as can be seen from FIG. 11,both flaps 24 and 28 in a closed position have longitudinal pins andgrooves that fit together. On the third flap 28, in the area of the axle23, attached to the base, there are hinge-like stops 32, which aresemi-cylindrical and thus have an open slot 33 underneath, so as to forma catch between the hinge elements 25 when snapped on the axle 23, sothat the foldover buckle is releasably attached in the position shown.On the side of the stops 32, the third flap 28 has high side bars 30,which are connected via a hoop 31, forming a loop for inserting the end43 of the second part 6 of the wristband 4 shown in cross-hatching inFIG. 9. From the third flap 28, studs 34,35 rise up, and the stud 34next to the hoop 31 is cylindrical and the others are mushroom-shaped.At the end 43 of the wristband part 6, there are holes into which thestuds 34,35 can be snapped. Since the number of holes 44 is larger thanthe number of the studs, the length of the second part 6 of thewristband 4 can be varied the first time it is fitted to the owner ofthe data carrier. Later alterations are unnecessary, since the foldoverbuckle opens wide enough to be able to take the data carrier off thewrist.

Instead of the clasp 15, the picture 18 of the owner could also be puton a slip-on loop before the base 16 is mounted on the first part 5 ofthe wristband. Because of the design of the connection between the case1 and the wristband 4 in its first part 5, it is practically impossibleto change the wristband without the wristband being recognized, as doingso would change the picture 18 or other owner-related data. If the datacarrier has a serial number, then it can also be on the clasp 15. Thematerial for the clasp 15 can be an appropriate synthetic material.

We claim:
 1. A data carrier providing a user right to an authorizedowner and to be worn on the wrist comprising:a case containingelectronic components for receiving and reproducing owner-specific data;a three-flap foldover buckle having a first flap, a second flap and athird flap, said first flap and said second flap being connected by afirst hinge axle and, said second flap and said third flap beingconnected by a second hinge axle, said first flap having an inner sideadapted to face the wrist of the owner and an outer side adapted to faceaway from the wrist of the owner, said inner side being adjacent andsaid outer side being opposite said second flap when the buckle isfolded, said first flap comprising a transparent viewing window, saidthird flap having an inner side adapted to face the wrist of the owner,and an outer side adapted to face away from the wrist of the owner, saidthird flap having studs on said inner side thereof; a wristband having afirst and a second part, said first part being connected to said caseand to said first flap, and said second part being connected to saidcase and to said inner side of said third flap, said second part havingholes therein, said holes being adapted to receive said studs whereinthe number of said holes is larger than the number of said studs suchthat the mating of said studs with said holes provides a wristband ofvariable length; and a picture of the owner of said data carrier, saidpicture being fixed to said inner side of said first flap, and saidpicture being damaged when removed from said data carrier.
 2. A datacarrier according to claim 1, wherein said first flap, said second flapand said third flap are made from a plastics material.
 3. A data carrieraccording to claim 1, wherein said third flap and said second flap havelongitudinally reinforcing ribs and grooves alternately engaging in oneanother when said buckle is folded.
 4. A data carrier according to claim1, wherein said third flap comprises at least one inwardly extendingstop to be locked at said hinge axle between said second flap and saidfirst flap.
 5. A data carrier according to claim 1, wherein, when thebuckle is folded, said first flap has a part extending beyond the hingeaxle between said second flap and said third flap, and wherein saidfirst part of said wristband is connected to a fastening means providedat said inner side of said extending part of said first flap.
 6. A datacarrier according to claim 1, further comprising an insertion loop onsaid outside of said third flap.
 7. A data carrier according to claim 1,wherein at least one of said studs is shaped like a mushroom.
 8. A datacarrier according to claim 1, wherein the stud next to said loop iscylindrical and the other studs are shaped like mushrooms.
 9. Athree-flap foldover buckle for a wrist band comprising:a first flap, asecond flap and a third flap, said first flap, and said second flapbeing connected by a first hinge axle and said second flap and saidthird flap being connected by a second hinge axle, said first flap andsaid third flap, each, having an inner side adapted to face a wearer'swrist and an outer side adapted to face away from a wearer's wrist, saidinner side of said first flap and said outer side of said third flapbeing adjacent said second flap when said buckle is folded; a first bandfastening means arranged on said first flap, comprising an eyeletadapted to receive a pin; a second band fastening means arranged on saidinner side of said third flap comprising studs adapted to selectivelyengage holes in said band for selectively fastening said band in atleast two positions, said third flap having an insertion loop on saidouter side and at least one inwardly extending snap-in stop on saidinner side, said snap-in-stop catching said hinge axle between saidsecond flap and said first flap.
 10. The buckle according to claim 9,wherein said third flap and said second flap have longitudinallyreinforcing ribs and grooves alternatively engaging in one another whensaid buckle is folded.
 11. A buckle according to claim 9, wherein, whenthe buckle is folded, said first flap has a part extending beyond saidhinge axle between said second flap and said third flap and having aninner side, said inner side of said extending part being provided withsaid first band fastening means.
 12. The three-flap foldover buckleaccording to claim 9, wherein at least one of said studs is shaped likea mushroom.
 13. The three-flap foldover buckle according to claim 9,wherein a stud next to said insertion loop is cylindrical and the otherstuds are shaped like mushrooms.